Alistair Johnston insists Celtic’s relentless focus on securing another Scottish Premiership crown won’t be shaken — no matter how Rangers choose to welcome them at Ibrox next month.
The Canadian international was crystal clear this week: he and his teammates won’t waste a second worrying about whether a guard of honour will be waiting for them on derby day, so long as the league trophy is destined for the Parkhead cabinet.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are closing in on a fourth consecutive league title and could have it wrapped up before April is out. Avoiding defeat against Dundee United at Tannadice on April 26 would be enough to ensure the champagne is chilling well ahead of the next Glasgow showdown at Ibrox on May 4.
But when asked whether he expects the traditional tribute from Rangers, Johnston shrugged off the suggestion — making it clear Celtic are far too busy chasing silverware to concern themselves with ceremonial gestures.
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“Would I expect it? I wouldn’t say I’d expect it,” Johnston said, speaking ahead of the voting opening for the club’s Player of the Year awards.
“At the end of the day it is what it is. We are not too bothered if someone gives us a guard of honour or not. We just want to be lifting a trophy on the final day of the season and that’s our biggest focus.”
Johnston, who has quickly become one of Rodgers’ most dependable figures in a dominant campaign, believes the squad have little interest in outside noise — especially with the chance of another domestic clean sweep still alive.
“That’s another thing I’ve learned since I’ve been here — just don’t fret about things that are out of your control,” he added. “If you do that you’re going to lose a lot of sleep and that can take you down some pretty deep and dark rabbit holes.
“For me, it’s just about controlling what we can control — and that’s something that’s very out of our control.”
“Hopefully we can take care of business up there [at Tannadice],” Johnston said. “But Dundee United have had a great season and their place isn’t easy to go to. They’ve made it a really strong place since they came up.
“We know it will be difficult, but when you’re that close to it, it’s something that adds that bit extra to it. It’s a little extra motivation for the guys and something we’re all excited for.
“Hopefully we can wrap the league up at Dundee and then go to Ibrox and play really freely and enjoy that match. But we’ve still got some massive matches before then.”
Whether or not a guard of honour awaits them across the city next month remains to be seen. But Johnston’s message is clear: Celtic’s eyes are locked on silverware — and nothing else.
